A discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part of a problem disc in the vertebral column of the spine. This procedure is used when a herniated (ruptured) disc puts pressure on a nerve root and causes pain. Surgeons generally perform a discectomy through an incision in the back although some are approached from the front anterior cervical discectomy . The lamina is the part of the vertebrae that forms the protective covering over the back of the spinal cord. During a discectomy, part of the lamina is often removed. The neural foramina, located on both sides of the spinous process (bumpy part that can be felt in the center of the spine) are the exit site for the nerve roots.The discs are thick gel-like structures that separate the vertebrae. The two main parts of the disc are the annulus (outer regions) and the nucleus (inner region). Any narrowing of that opening would require removal of the obstruction.